KFBRV Ch 34

Odette slipped out of the mansion before the first light of dawn. She made her way to Edelweiss Station, the capital’s central hub. Before she could head to the containment zone, there was one person she needed to see.

The streets were silent, the hour far too early for even the cheapest hired carriages. After a long walk, she stopped in front of a modest boutique tucked between a flower shop and a coffee house.

Madam Sarah’s Boutique

Odette waited patiently. She knew the owner was an early riser.

As the station clock struck seven, the door creaked open. Madam Sarah stepped out, nearly jumping out of her skin when she saw a figure standing in the shadows.

[Sarah] "Goodness! You frightened me!"

[Odette] "A pleasure to meet you, Madam Sarah."

She offered a polite smile.

[Odette] "I’ve come to purchase a traveling outfit from your establishment."

The woman looked Odette up and down, her voice laced with confusion.

[Sarah] "You look like a person of high standing, My Lady. This isn't a luxury shop. I don't tailor dresses for the nobility here."

[Odette] "But your daughter’s work is here, isn't it? The dresses she made?"

[Sarah] "What? How could you possibly know...?"

Her expression hardened. She squared her shoulders, looking ready for a fight.

[Sarah] "My Lady, those clothes were gifts made by my daughter. They are not for sale."

[Odette] "Madam—"

[Sarah] "They already have an owner! No matter how much power you wield, I will not sell them! Even if you were to torture me—"

[Odette] "Calm yourself. I’m not here to steal them. I am the rightful owner of those clothes."

[Sarah] "I don’t understand. What are you saying?"

[Odette] "I am the Albrecht heiress. Lize’s mistress."

The woman’s eyes nearly tripled in size. Without another word, she turned and sprinted up the stairs, screaming for her daughter.

[Sarah] "Lize! Lize, wake up!"

A moment later, Lize stumbled down the stairs, clutching her robe around her nightgown. Her eyes widened when she saw her guest.

[Lize] "My Lady...?"

[Odette] "Did you sleep well, Lize? I feel terrible for barging in during your vacation."

She spoke with grace, though her visit was entirely calculated. She had sent Lize home on holiday specifically so she could make this stop today.

[Odette] "I know it’s rude to visit on a holiday, but I find myself in desperate need of your help."

Lize beamed, her surprise melting into pure joy.

[Lize] "Don't be silly, My Lady! You are welcome anytime. Please, come inside!"

[Odette] "You’re very kind. After wearing the dress you made, my standards have become far too high. I can't bear to wear anything else. I need a striking outfit for an outing. Will you help me?"

She produced a heavy leather pouch filled with silver coins she had secured through Wolfgang.

Madam Sarah took the pouch, and as she peered inside at the staggering amount, her face transformed. Her business instincts were screaming.

She grabbed Odette’s arm and slammed the shop door shut.

[Sarah] "Of course, My Lady! My daughter will provide the perfect outfit in the city today!"

[Odette] "I’m glad we understand each other, Madam."

[Sarah] "Oh, we certainly do! I love this pouch very much. And I’ll personally handle your accessories! Hats, gloves—I’m much better at those than Lize."

Odette knew this well. In the original timeline, Madam Sarah was the genius who would eventually create the ribbons that became a sensation in high society. Back then, Charlotte had discovered her by chance. But in that life, Lize had already passed away, and a grieving Sarah had sold her masterpieces for next to nothing.

Under Sarah’s intense direction, Odette was ushered into the fitting room. She emerged wearing a two-piece ensemble that Lize had sewn.

It was breathtaking. A crisp white blouse with elegant puff sleeves paired with a high-waisted skirt in a soft lavender hue. It was refined and modest at first glance, but the details whispered of extreme wealth. The blouse was made of the finest silk, and the delicate embroidery caught the light, making her skin glow.

[Sarah] "My Lady, you are a stunning beauty. No wonder Lize is always babbling about being inspired by you."

She hummed with approval as she braided Odette’s hair into an intricate updo. Once she added a large, stylish ribbon, Odette looked like the definition of old-money royalty. From head to toe, she looked dangerously expensive—the perfect disguise for her mission.

[Sarah] "There. My daughter has done her part. Now it’s my turn to work magic. Lift your chin; I’m going to do your makeup."

[Odette] "That won't be necessary. This is enough."

[Sarah] "My Lady, you were free to walk in, but you aren't free to leave looking unfinished."

[Odette] "I really am fine. I’m not trying to impress anyone today."

Her eyes flashed with a sudden, artistic fire.

[Sarah] "You’re wrong, My Lady! Why do you think you need someone else to look at you? You should look beautiful for yourself!"

[Odette] "Madam, I appreciate the sentiment, but—"

[Sarah] "This is why I dislike exceptionally beautiful people! You have no sense of urgency! You were born with a face like this, yet you don't even think about the philosophy of beauty. You’re being shallow!"

[Odette] "Madam, if we could just talk—"

[Sarah] "Do you have any idea what a dash of color would do to these features? Beauty is a value in and of itself! An audience? Who cares about an audience! Why does that matter when you have a face like a masterpiece?"

[Odette] "Ma—"

[Sarah] "No! You cannot live with such an attitude! Why did the Gods give you beauty? To please others? Never! It’s because beauty is sacred. The pursuit of it—the aesthetic—is what makes a human being noble and elegant! Don't you see?"

[Odette] "Please, do my makeup, Madam! I suddenly feel a desperate need for it. I beg you."

Faced with the woman’s escalating passion, Odette finally surrendered. Madam Sarah stopped her lecture instantly, a serene, saintly smile returning to her face.

[Sarah] "I’m so glad you agree. You’re very easy to talk to, My Lady."

The sudden shift in her voice was almost eerie. Odette sat still, letting the woman work on her face.

I suppose it’s better to look my best for the children. They say children judge a person by their appearance first. Besides, I still have time before the train leaves.

A short while later, Sarah stepped back and let out a breathless sigh.

[Sarah] "Enchanting."

It was her finest work. Odette blinked at her reflection in the mirror, stunned. Sarah felt a surge of pride. She had taken a diamond and polished it until it blinded.

However, her surprise was fleeting. Her face soon returned to its usual, stoic expression.

Sarah felt a pang of pity. She could tell this girl had lived a life of constant battle.

The makeup was designed to make Odette look her actual age, softening the weary, hardened edge in her eyes.

[Odette] "Madam, I’d like to buy some ready-to-wear pieces as well."

She purchased a lavender dress for a young girl, two navy suits for small boys, and one set of adult male clothing.

As Lize packed them into a trunk, Sarah placed a fedora with a delicate veil on Odette’s head, hiding her platinum-blonde hair.

[Odette] "Lize, I’ll see you when your holiday is over."

[Lize] "I’ll be there, My Lady! I’m bringing all the dresses I made, so you must promise to wear them!"

Odette picked up her trunk and walked toward the station. To any observer, she was the picture of a wealthy, untouchable noble. But as Sarah watched her go, she couldn't help but think that the girl’s back looked incredibly lonely and exhausted.

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The train was crowded due to the festival. Odette closed the door to her first-class compartment and leaned back. She couldn't help but compare this to her past life.

In my last life, I hid in a freight car on a midnight train, trembling with every bump.

She hadn't even known trains had seats this comfortable.

Outside the window, the scent of spring flowers drifted in on a gentle breeze. Cherry blossoms danced in the air, a few petals fluttering through the open glass. It felt like a peaceful vacation.

But as the hours passed, the scenery began to wither. The vibrant colors faded into gray, desolate plains. By the time the conductor announced the final stop, the Fenrir Containment Zone, she was the only passenger left on the train.

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